The 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show just wrapped up a 10-day run that proved the automotive industry’s electric future isn’t coming but already here, parked across multiple halls at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Running from 21st to 30th November, with a press-exclusive AutoMobility LA event on 20th November , the show drew crowds eager to kick tires on over 1,000 vehicles spanning everything from affordable family SUVs to jaw-dropping 2,000-horsepower concept cars. But unlike past years when European luxury brands fought for attention with extravagant debuts, this edition felt noticeably different. Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche sat out the event, leaving the stage to American, Japanese, and Korean automakers who came armed with practical electrified SUVs, rugged electric off-roaders, and a clear message: the shift toward sustainability isn’t just for coastal early adopters anymore.
The show sprawled across West Hall A, South Hall GHJK, Concourse Hall, Petree Hall, Kentia Hall, and the 300 Series meeting rooms, emphasising interactive experiences over static displays. Test drives expanded significantly, allowing attendees to actually sample vehicles rather than just admire them behind velvet ropes. Family-friendly activities kept kids entertained while parents comparison-shopped, and brand activations created Instagram-worthy moments that flooded social media throughout the event’s duration. Tickets were available online, with pricing varying by day and package, though the event’s official site emphasised accessibility for casual enthusiasts and serious shoppers alike.
Major debuts skewed heavily toward SUVs and electrified powertrains, reflecting what Americans actually buy rather than what enthusiasts dream about. The 2027 Kia Telluride stole headlines as the luxury three-row SUV’s first full redesign, introducing a hybrid option that combines a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with electric motors for 329 horsepower, 339 lb-ft of torque, and an impressive 35 mpg combined roughly a 600-mile total range. The hybrid variant tows up to 4,500 pounds, while the traditional turbo-only version manages 5,000 pounds with 274 horsepower. Larger dimensions and upgraded luxury touches position it against the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, though Kia hasn’t released pricing yet. Availability is slated for Q1 2026, giving competitors time to adjust their strategies.
Jeep brought serious off-road electricity with the 2026 Recon, an all-electric SUV positioned as the spiritual successor to the Wrangler for the EV era. Built on a 100 kWh battery pack delivering up to 250 miles of range, the Recon’s dual-motor all-wheel-drive system cranks out 650 horsepower and 620 lb-ft of torque, launching from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Starting at $66,995 including destination, it earns Trail Rated credentials through removable doors and windows, locking rear differential, underbody protection, and compatibility with Tesla Superchargers for easier cross-country adventures. The uplevel Moab trim adds serious off-road hardware for rock crawling and desert running. Production begins in 2026, and early impressions suggest Jeep successfully translated Wrangler capability into electric form without diluting the brand’s rugged identity.
Lucid Motors introduced the Gravity Touring, an accessible entry point into its luxury electric SUV lineup. Powered by an 89 kWh battery pack generating 560 horsepower, the seven-seat SUV delivers up to 337 miles of range and hits 60 mph in about 4 seconds. At $79,900, it undercuts the higher-trim Gravity models while maintaining the brand’s 800-volt architecture for rapid charging via NACS-compatible stations. Orders are open, though delivery timelines remain vague. The Gravity Touring signals Lucid’s push beyond ultra-luxury into more attainable territory, though “attainable” remains relative when the price still exceeds most mainstream three-row SUVs by $30,000 or more.
Nissan made its first serious play in the U.S. plug-in hybrid market with the 2026 Rogue PHEV, combining a 2.4-litre gas engine with two electric motors and a 20 kWh battery for 248 horsepower, 332 lb-ft of torque, and 38 miles of electric-only range. Configured as a three-row seven-seater, it targets families wanting occasional EV driving without range anxiety. SL and Platinum trims arrive in Q1 2026, though pricing hasn’t been announced. The move marks a significant shift for Nissan, which largely exited the PHEV space after discontinuing the Leaf’s plug-in competitors.
Hyundai doubled down on performance and concepts. The Ioniq 6 N made its North American premiere as a track-focused electric sedan with dual motors producing 641 horsepower in boost mode, 568 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.2-second 0-60 mph sprint. Features like N Drift Optimizer, N Torque Distribution, and N Active Sound+ simulate internal combustion engagement through synthesised sounds and simulated gear shifts. It’s designed for enthusiasts who want EV speed without sacrificing driving. Meanwhile, Hyundai’s Crater concept teased off-road ambitions with aggressive styling, 33-inch tires, integrated roll cage, and head-up display—a preview of the XRT subbrand targeting adventure seekers.
Genesis unveiled the 2027 GV60 Magma, a performance variant of its electric crossover with 609 horsepower (650 in boost mode), a rear wing, 21-inch wheels, lowered ride height, and suede upholstery. It launches the Magma sub-brand aimed at drivers wanting sporty handling and luxury finishes. Pricing remains undisclosed, but expect a premium over the standard GV60 when it arrives in 2026.
Chevrolet stole the concept spotlight with two wildly different visions. The Corvette ZR1X hybrid pairs a twin-turbo V-8 with electric motors for 1,250 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and sub-2-second 0-60 mph acceleration—a hypercar disguised as America’s sports car. The CX Concept went even further, packing four motors generating over 2,000 horsepower into a fighter-jet-inspired body with a canopy cockpit and fans generating downforce. Neither has production timelines, but they signal where Chevrolet’s performance ambitions are headed. More attainable is the 2027 Bolt’s return as an affordable EV hatchback, offering 255 miles of range and 10-80% charging in 26 minutes for $28,995 and up—aimed squarely at buyers priced out by the current EV market.
Scout Motors, Volkswagen’s reborn off-road brand, showcased the Terra pickup and Traveler SUV prototypes—body-on-frame electric 4x4s with 350-mile range (500 with range extender), locking differentials, and rugged capability starting under $60,000. Reservations are open, targeting buyers who want Rivian capability without Rivian pricing.
Notable absences included European luxury brands, a trend some industry observers attribute to shifting strategies favoring digital reveals over expensive physical booths. However, the in-person experience remained compelling for attendees who want to compare vehicles side-by-side, test ergonomics, and ask questions face-to-face. Social media buzz on platforms like X amplified the show’s reach, with posts highlighting the Lucid Gravity, Ioniq 6 N, and various concepts racking up thousands of engagements.
Special displays added nostalgia, including a restored 1977 Volkswagen Type 2 Bus that survived a fire, David Coulthard’s 1996 McLaren MP4/11 Formula 1 car, and Ayrton Senna’s 1994 Williams FW16. Subaru showcased its WRX Project Midnight—a 670-horsepower, 2,469-pound carbon-fiber rally car built for speed records. These moments reminded attendees that automotive passion transcends powertrains.
The 2025 LA Auto Show ultimately revealed an industry in transition—fewer blockbuster debuts, more practical electrification, and a focus on vehicles people will actually drive daily rather than fantasy machines they’ll never afford. With SUVs dominating floor space and hybrids bridging the gap between gas and electric, the show reflected market realities: Americans want efficiency, capability, and tech without sacrificing space or utility. Whether that trend accelerates or stalls depends on infrastructure investment, charging accessibility, and whether automakers can keep prices within reach of average buyers. For now, Los Angeles proved that the future of mobility looks a lot like today’s priorities—just cleaner, quieter, and slightly more expensive.
